RFK Racing’s Ryan Preece is intensifying his NASCAR Cup Series playoff bid as the competition becomes increasingly challenging in 2024. Currently ranked 14th with 383 points, the Connecticut driver is determined to secure a spot in the playoffs while also preparing for the new NASCAR In-Season tournament.
Ryan Preece’s Strong Season and Growth
Preece’s performance this year has marked a career high, with seven top-ten finishes in the first 17 races, reflecting his upward trajectory in the Cup Series. Driving the No. 60 car for RFK Racing, he has shown the talent that influenced the team to bring him onboard during the off-season. This concentrated effort stems from a change in mindset and approach.
Discussing his development over the year, Preece said,
“I went in with an open mind of ‘I’m gonna work on me, I’m gonna trust the process and I’m gonna continue to push myself.’ And that comes with doing more listening than I do talking, having a different perspective going into the weekends, and really just having a big, open mind when it comes to a lot of things. I’m trying to definitely get back to the Ryan Preece that just drove race cars instead of just ones that I set up,” Ryan Preece said via CBS Sports.
Since beginning his Cup Series career in 2019 with JTG Daugherty Racing, Preece moved to Stewart-Haas Racing in 2023 before transitioning to RFK Racing following Stewart-Haas’s exit at the end of 2024. His current stage benefits from the guidance of veteran Brad Keselowski as he pushes for a playoff position.
Upcoming NASCAR In-Season Tournament Battle at Atlanta
The introduction of the NASCAR In-Season tournament adds another competitive layer to Preece’s campaign. The tournament features 32 drivers in a single-elimination format, divided into 16 groups based on recent race seedings. Preece is set to face the points leader, William Byron, in the first round at Atlanta Motor Speedway, a matchup that could shape both their playoff chances.
Reflecting on his challenging pairing, Preece shared a candid remark,
“I think I got the short straw. It’s going to be a battle,” Ryan Preece said via Kelly Crandall.
The winner from each pairing advances by finishing higher than their opponent in the event, adding significant pressure during this knockout stage.
Playoff Prospects and Team Rivalries
With the playoffs on the horizon, Preece is in close contention not only with Byron but also with his RFK Racing teammate Chris Buescher, who is also vying for a playoff berth. Preece aims for a strong finish at Atlanta to secure a race win that would lock in his place in the postseason and propel him further in the In-Season tournament.
The outcomes over these next races will play a crucial role in determining playoff lineups and setting the stage for the remainder of the season, keeping fans and drivers alike on edge as the stakes rise.